Abstract: A method of performing brain surgery on a patient having a skull and brain tissue, that starts by creating an opening, having a rim, in the skull. The method uses an assembly for facilitating brain surgery that includes a curved frame, defining an inward dimension and an outward dimension; a plurality of spatula arm subassemblies, each including a spatula arm frame clamp, releasably attached to the frame, a spatula arm held and supported by the spatula arm frame clamp and a spatula extending from the inward end of the spatula arm of the spatula arm subassembly. The assembly is clamped to the rim and the spatula arms are positioned so that the spatulas engage the brain tissue in a manner that facilitates surgery.

Abstract: An autoinjector device and a method of use thereof for perispinal administration, comprising: a housing with an interspinous stop; a syringe assembly slidably mounted on the housing, the syringe assembly including a needle and a fluid container, an autoinjector actuator for urging the syringe assembly with respect to the housing from a storage position to a launch position wherein the needle travels through the interspinous stop; and a cap releasably engaged to the housing.

Abstract: A nerve in a mammal is optogenetically transduced, wherein the nerve is susceptible to stimulus by selective application of transdermal light, and a light source is applied to dermis of the mammal at or proximate to the optogenetically transduced nerve, to thereby stimulate the nerve. A wearable device for optogenetic motor control and sensation restoration of a mammal includes a wearable support, a power source at the wearable support, a controller at the wearable support and in electrical communication with a power source, and a transdermal light source coupled to the controller.

Abstract: An injection sensing device (ISD) (e.g., wearable patch) is paired with an external device (e.g., a medication delivery pen and/or smart phone, iPad, computer) via wireless link or wireline connection. The ISD senses fluctuations in local skin temperature during an injection and provides to the external device captured data from the sensor relating to medicine delivery to a patient to ensure complete delivery and minimize MDD misuse or malfunction or inaccuracies in dosing. The ISD or external device can use captured data and corresponding time stamps to determine flow informatics such as flow rate, total dose delivered, and dose completion status. An LED on the ISD indicates delivery in progress and/or delivery completion.

Abstract: The present invention is a Miniature Vein Enhancer, for use in imaging the subcutaneous veins of a target area of a patient by a practitioner. The miniature vein enhancer includes a Miniature Projection Head that is secured to a tourniquet, where the tourniquet may be mounted to the bicep of a patient. The Miniature Projection Head includes a housing, and apparatus that images subcutaneous veins of the target area, and projects the image(s) of the veins onto the target area to overlie the subcutaneous veins, which aids the practitioner in pinpointing a vein location for a venipuncture procedure such as an intravenous drip, blood test, and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computer-implemented method for navigating an anatomical body part, a corresponding computer program, a non-transitory program storage medium storing such a program and a computer for executing the program, as well as a system for navigating the anatomical body part, the system comprising an electronic data storage device and the aforementioned computer, and to a system for conducting medical navigation.

Abstract: A method for treating a tumor at least partially within an organ in a subject's body. The method comprises volumetrically compressing the tumor to increase a pressure within the tumor above a threshold level to cause ischemia of the tumor; and maintaining the pressure above the threshold level for a period sufficient to cause necrosis in the tumor. The method may include passing a tension member within the organ around a predetermined volumetric region encompassing at least a portion of the tumor. The method may include tightening the tension member to cause compression of the volumetric region, thereby directly increasing a pressure within the tumor. The method may include maintaining the increased pressure such that most or all tissues of the tumor undergo ischemia and/or necrosis resulting directly from the compression caused by the tightened tension member.

Abstract: A drug delivery device includes a housing, a cartridge received within the housing, with the cartridge configured to receive a medicament, a drive assembly received within the housing and configured to engage the cartridge and dispense medicament from the cartridge, and a needle actuator assembly received within the housing, with the needle actuator assembly including a patient needle configured to pierce a patient's skin. A bottom surface of the housing defines a port interface configured to receive an implanted injection port.

Abstract: The invention relates to an injection device. Exemplary embodiments of the invention comprise an application element, an injection needle, an injection needle housing, a drive system for the injection movement, and a retraction system. In exemplary embodiments, a substance is injected during the retraction movement of the injection needle.

Abstract: A cerebral spinal fluid shunt plug includes a shunt plug housing having a recess formed therein and a shunt valve shaped and dimensioned for positioning within the recess of the shunt plug housing.

Abstract: Delivery devices, systems, and methods related thereto may be used on patients for spinal delivery of cells, drugs, or vectors. The patient population may include patients with spinal traumatic injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, spinal ischemia, and other spinal neurodegenerative disorder that will require spinal cell, vector, or drug delivery.

Abstract: A method of preoperative planning comprises creating a virtual model of a native patient tissue; placing a virtual device into a desired device orientation relative to the virtual model of the native patient tissue; specifying at least one structural change to the native patient tissue to facilitate placement of the virtual device in the desired device orientation; creating a virtual model of an altered patient tissue responsive to the specifying at least one structural change to the native patient tissue; and fabricating a tangible representation of a bone using the virtual model of the altered patient tissue.

Abstract: A catheterization system for treatment of patients can include a peripherally inserted central catheter comprising a catheter tube joined to an extension leg with a junction and a securement device that fits around a portion of the junction to inhibit movement. The catheter tube can include a taper proximate the junction, the taper transitioning the catheter tube from a larger outer diameter and a larger wall thickness to a smaller outer diameter and a smaller wall thickness. The taper and thicker wall thickness near the junction can help prevent damage to the catheter tube near the junction when bent (e.g., to secure a proximal region of the catheter to a patient's arm). The securement device can configured to fit around an outer diameter of the junction to inhibit movement of the junction when the junction is held in the securement device.

Abstract: A therapeutic agent injection device including an injection device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient having a body, the body having a patient face and a port face opposite the patient face, the port face having an introducer port including an introducer channel and an injection port including an injection channel, the introducer channel being in fluid communication with the injection channel through a cross channel, the injection channel defining an injection axis; a delivery tube for subcutaneous delivery of the therapeutic agent to the patient, the delivery tube projecting from and being generally perpendicular to the patient face, the delivery tube defining an introducer axis and being in fluid communication with the injection port; and a patch, the patch being attached to the patient face and being operable to adhesively attach to the patient; wherein the injection axis is parallel to the introducer axis.

Abstract: A cartridge for testing a biological sample. The cartridge has a closure element that is fastened to the cartridge in a form-fit or interlocking manner and is a multi-component injection molded closure part having an integrated seal so as to be able to fluidically close a receiving cavity having an integrated vent. The cartridge also has a film cover and an additional aluminum cover in the region of storage cavities for liquid reagents.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for implanting objects, such as a marker, in the lungs of patients. In one embodiment, a bronchoscopic catheter assembly for implanting an object in the lung of a patient includes a handle, a delivery catheter projecting outwardly from the handle, and a push wire contained within the catheter. In one aspect of this embodiment, the catheter can be configured to releasably hold a plurality of markers at a distal end. In another aspect of this embodiment, the push wire can be operably connected to the handle and axially moveable within the delivery catheter to eject the marker out of the catheter within the bronchi of the patient. In a further aspect of this embodiment, the marker can further include an anti-migration device associated with the marker for holding the marker in place once the marker is deployed in the bronchi. The anti-migration device can be integral with the marker or positioned proximate to the marker to prevent migration of the marker.

Abstract: A vascular access device is disclosed including a needle insertion guide having a proximal end and a distal end a the guide including a needle insertion guide having a proximal end and a distal end and a vessel interface configured for attaching the distal end of the guide to a target on an unbroken outer wall of a blood vessel of a living subject and a skin interface configured for attaching the proximal end of the guide to a skin of the living subject. Optionally the vessel interface is connected to the guide by a flexible joint configured. Optionally two vascular access devices are connected by an electrically conductive connection. Optionally the vascular access device includes a sensor to determine when a needle enters the blood vessel. Optionally the vascular access device serves as a marker for a sensor determining a status of the blood vessel.

Abstract: In one aspect, a cannulation site selection apparatus includes a flexible member, a first marking on the flexible member, and an array of cannulation site selection markings on the flexible member, wherein the array of cannulation site selection markings is positioned at a set distance from the first marking, and wherein the cannulation site selection markings are spaced at set distances from one another.

Abstract: An apparatus for irrigating the vas deferens in connection with a vasectomy reversal is described. The apparatus comprises a fluid delivery device having a first portion that connects to the vas deferens, the fluid delivery device connecting such that a catheter tip inserts into the vas deferens and is held in stable position relative thereto and such that fluid enters the vas deferens through the catheter tip.

Abstract: A parallel-type micro robot capable of precise control while minimizing size thereof and a surgical robot system having the same are disclosed. The parallel-type micro robot includes a base plate, a work plate, a main fixing shaft module, a horizontal movement module and at least one angle-controlling module. The base plate includes a base body portion and at least one base connecting portion connected to the base body portion. The work plate includes a work body portion corresponding to the base body portion and at least one work connecting portion connecting to the work body portion to correspond to the base connecting portion. The main fixing shaft module is disposed between the base body portion and the work body portion, and coupled to the work body portion such that the work body portion is rotatable. The horizontal movement module is disposed between the main fixing shaft module and the base body portion, and moves the main fixing shaft module along first and second directions intersecting each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to an injection device. Exemplary embodiments of the invention comprise an application element, an injection needle, an injection needle housing, a drive system for the injection movement, and a retraction system. In exemplary embodiments, a substance is injected during the retraction movement of the injection needle.

Abstract: A catheter system including a housing and a drive mechanism supported by the housing is provided. The drive mechanism includes an engagement structure configured to engage and to impart movement to a guide wire. The engagement structure defines a path for the guide wire, and the engagement structure is moveable between an engaged position in which the engagement structure engages the guide wire and a disengaged position in which the engagement structure does not engage the guide wire. The catheter system includes a biasing element configured to bias the engagement structure toward the engaged position, and the biasing element is aligned generally parallel to the path defined by the engagement structure.

Abstract: A method with apparatus and kit for practicing the method that provides a reliable determination of desired earlobe piercing position by giving the user a preview of an earring in the location. The user tests a variety of sized discs that mimic stud earrings on the area to be pierced to determine the most visually pleasing size relative to the area. Once the desired size is chosen, the user then positions and repositions the disc on the site until the disc is in the optimal position visually. A mark is then made on the ear through one or more holes or perforations in the disc. The disc is then removed and the ear is pierced at or where indicated by the mark.

Abstract: A motion compensation system for tracking and compensating for patient motion during a medical imaging scan comprises an optical marker comprising an optically visible pattern and a mounting portion; a first optical detector positioned to digitally image the optically visible pattern along a first line of sight; a second optical detector positioned to digitally image the optically visible pattern along a second line of sight; a tracking engine configured to determine a pose of the object in six degrees of freedom by analyzing images from the first and second optical detectors; and a controller interface configured to generate tracking information based on the pose and to electronically transmit the tracking information to a scanner controller to enable compensation within a medical imaging scanner for object motion.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a template for marking injection sites on a biological surface prior to performance of a medical procedure, wherein the template comprises a flexible sheet having marked positions or demarcated areas for each injection site, and wherein each marked position or demarcated area is associated with a unique identifier. Also provided are methods of using such disclosed templates in a medical procedure where an agent or material is injected into a patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to an apparatus and method for locating the posterior palatal foramen of a human hard palate. The apparatus includes a guide with a curved base, an elongated tapered shaft and a head. The head further includes a channel positioned between two tabs of varying heights leading to a hole. The longer tab has a curved end. The apparatus is attached to a user's finger and slid along the patients gum. The practitioner receives a tactile sensation when the head of the apparatus contacts the groove of the posterior palatal foramen. The tab guides a needle through the hole in the channel to the exact site of the foramen. The apparatus may also be used to apply pressure at an injection site to reduce or eliminate injection pain.

Abstract: A device (10) is provided for facilitating insertion of a needle or a cannula into a vein of a patient. The device comprises a fluid chamber (23) adapted to be held in operable engagement with a surface of the patient's skin by a fastener (30/34/35) that extends about a limb of the patient. The device is adapted to create a volume of reduced pressure within the fluid chamber, so as to facilitate expansion of an underlying part of the vein. The device enables insertion of a needle or cannula into the expanded part of the vein, whilst the fluid chamber remains operably engaged with the surface of a patient's skin.

Abstract: Injection devices for delivering pharmaceutical formulations into the eye are described. The devices may be integrated to include features that allow safe and atraumatic manipulation of the devices with one hand. For example, accurate placement, including proper angulation, of the device on the eye and injection of a pharmaceutical formulation into the eye can be performed using one hand. The devices may also include improved safety features. For example, the devices may include an actuation mechanism that controls the rate and depth of injection into the eye. Some devices include a dynamic resistance component capable of adjusting the amount of pressure applied to the eye surface. Related methods and systems comprising the devices are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tool and method for performing a lumbar puncture. The tool may include a first arm and a second arm and may form a T-shape. The first arm may be longer than the second arm. Also included is a projection extending from one of the arms. The projection has a downward angle and a passageway that is sized to accommodate a needle. The tool is configured to maintain the perpendicular placement of a needle between vertebrae and a preferred angle of insertion of about 15° during a procedure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wearable injection guides are described, which include: acquiring one or more digital images of a body region of an individual with at least one image capture device; creating a digitally rendered model of a wearable injection guide from the one or more digital images of the body region of the individual; adding one or more digitally rendered fiducials indicative of at least one treatment parameter to the digitally rendered model of the wearable injection guide; and forming the wearable injection guide from the digitally rendered model of the wearable injection guide, the formed wearable injection guide including one or more fiducials corresponding to the one or more digitally rendered fiducials on the digitally rendered model of the wearable injection guide.

Abstract: Ultrasound devices and guidance systems for ultrasound devices for subdermal devices (e.g., needles) used in conjunction with the ultrasound devices are described. The guidance systems can includes features for easy release of a device from the system following targeting to a subdermal site. A guidance system can be ambidextrous such that a needle can be released by use of either the left or right hand and by use of either a thumb or a finger of an operator. Embodiments that include guidance tracks and slidable guidance cartridges that grasp the hub of a subdermal device are also described.

Abstract: An applicator for applying fluid medicaments to a corneal surface of a patient, after surgery, includes a circular, ring-shaped member. The ring member creates an aperture which extends between parallel planes, with a wall surrounding the aperture as well as upper and lower openings into the aperture. The wall around the aperture is tapered, and there is a hole that extends through the wall. A hollow shaft is connected in fluid communication with the hole in the wall through which a fluid can be injected into the aperture. A bubble of the fluid can then be cradled in the aperture by the wall, and held therein by surface tension across the lower opening of the aperture. An application of the fluid bubble onto the patient's eye requires only contact between the fluid bubble and the eye, with no need for contact between the applicator and the eye.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a selectively and concurrently implementable multi-probe microdrive apparatus. Specifically, the disclosure relates to an apparatus configured to selectively and reversibly couple and/or decouple at least one holder to, and/or from an actuator independently, wherein the actuator is configured for controllably and concurrently move any coupled holder. The holder adapted to have a stimulating and/or recording electrode coupled thereon.

Abstract: A method of coating a material onto projections provided on a patch. The method includes applying a coating solution containing the material to at least the projections and drying the coating solution to at least the projections using a gas flow.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide needle guides that facilitate direct penile injection of drug therapies.

Abstract: A method includes providing a guide block with a body having a proximal face, a distal face, a length between the proximal and distal faces, a central longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal faces, and at least one passageway disposed within the body that extends between the proximal and distal faces, which is configured to receive a tissue accessing device and which is not parallel to the central longitudinal axis; selecting a grid opening of the grid-like breast receiving pressure plate and selecting a rotational orientation of the guide block relative to the selected grid opening to provide access to a desired location in the patient's breast; and inserting the guide block into the selected grid opening of the grid-like breast receiving pressure plate of the magnetic resonance imaging device at the selected rotational orientation, and advancing the guide block in the selected grid opening.

Abstract: A method of preoperative planning and provision of patient-specific surgical aids includes creating a virtual model of a native patient tissue. A virtual device is placed into a predetermined device orientation relative to the virtual model of the native patient tissue. At least one predetermined landmark orientation is specified for placement of at least one virtual landmark relative to the native patient tissue. A virtual patient-specific template containing the predetermined landmark orientation and having a landmark guiding feature is generated. At least one virtual patient-specific placement guide configured to interact simultaneously with at least one previously placed virtual landmark and the virtual device when the virtual device is in the predetermined device orientation is generated. A physical patient-specific template is created as a tangible representation of the virtual patient-specific template.

Abstract: A catheter system including a housing and a drive mechanism supported by the housing is provided. The drive mechanism includes an engagement structure configured to engage and to impart movement to a guide wire. The engagement structure defines a path for the guide wire, and the engagement structure is moveable between an engaged position in which the engagement structure engages the guide wire and a disengaged position in which the engagement structure does not engage the guide wire. The catheter system includes a biasing element configured to bias the engagement structure toward the engaged position, and the biasing element is aligned generally parallel to the path defined by the engagement structure.

Abstract: An implantable multi-lumen access port including indicators for ascertaining characteristics of the port is disclosed. In one embodiment, the access port comprises a housing that defines a first reservoir and a second reservoir. A first septum and second septum are respectively coupled with the housing to provide selective access to the first and second reservoirs. Each septum includes a plurality of protrusions defined about a periphery thereof that are palpable after implantation of the port in a patient to determine a relative position of the first septum with respect to the second septum. A radiographically observable indicator is also included on a base of the housing, so as to provide information relating to a characteristic of the dual-lumen port, such as suitability for power injection of fluids. The indicator in one embodiment includes a substantially rigid radiopaque component.

Abstract: The desensitizing device contains an electrical stimulation member optionally configured on a support member. The electrical stimulation member contains a control circuit, at least two electrodes, and an electricity supply element. The electricity supply element provides electricity to the control circuit, and the control circuit generates a stimulating current to the electrodes. By configuring a male genital with the support member so that the electrodes are in contact with the penis skin, the stimulating current produced by the control circuit is conducted to the electrodes and provides a low-strength subcutaneous nerve stimulation through the penis skin. The subcutaneous nerve is as such temporarily numbed and desensitized.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wearable injection guides are described, which include: acquiring one or more digital images of a body region of an individual with at least one image capture device; creating a digitally rendered model of a wearable injection guide from the one or more digital images of the body region of the individual; adding one or more digitally rendered fiducials indicative of at least one treatment parameter to the digitally rendered model of the wearable injection guide; and forming the wearable injection guide from the digitally rendered model of the wearable injection guide, the formed wearable injection guide including one or more fiducials corresponding to the one or more digitally rendered fiducials on the digitally rendered model of the wearable injection guide.

Abstract: A template for radiography and methods of using and making a template are described. The template can include a contoured sheet having first portions and second portions. The first portions are radiodense and the second portions are radiolucent to provide markings on a radiograph. At least one surface of the contoured sheet can correspond to at least one surface of a target part to provide alignment of the contoured sheet to the target part.

Abstract: Wearable injection guides and manufacture and use thereof are described, which include: a rigid needle-penetrable material having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface having form-fitting contours substantially conforming to a topography of a body region of an individual and the outer surface including one or more fiducials indication of at least one treatment parameter.

Abstract: Wearable injection guides and manufacture and use thereof are described, which include: a rigid material formed to substantially conform in shape to a topography of a body region of an individual, the rigid material substantially impenetrable to an injection needle, and the rigid material including one or more injection needle access regions arranged in a treatment pattern.

Abstract: A temporary vena cava filter retrieval apparatus includes an introducer sheath for establishing access into a vessel via a patient access site and a retrieval sheath having a diameter sufficiently small to pass through the introducer sheath and sufficiently large to accommodate a partially or fully uncollapsed filter.

Abstract: A needle targeting apparatus comprises a sense head configured to locate an implanted device and a guide. The guide is associated with the sense head and comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, and a support member. The support member comprises a channel extending through the support member that provides access to an injection site. In some versions, a needle targeting apparatus comprises a locating feature, an alignment feature, and a support feature. The locating feature is configured to locate an implanted device. The alignment feature is configured to align a syringe needle with the implanted device. The support feature is configured to support a syringe upon insertion of the syringe needle into the implanted device. In some versions, a needle targeting apparatus comprises a sense head configured to locate an implanted device and a guide. The guide is configured to identify the center of the sense head.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide needle guides that facilitate direct penile injection of drug therapies.

Abstract: A vein locating device for locating a vein on a patient has a housing and an objective lens. A condenser lens is disposed within the housing and is aligned with the objective lens along a common axis. There is an infrared light source for emitting infrared light from the vein locating device onto an area of skin of the patient. There is a sensor circuit which includes a first photosensor, a second photosensor, a comparator, and a marking light.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for non-invasive detection of blood vessels. The systems and methods cool uniformly a tissue volume below a skin region for a specified cooling period and then image vessel thermal footprints of vessels below the skin as they heat up the skin region. The systems comprise a thermal imaging device configured to image the skin region after the cooling period, an image processor arranged to identify, in images captured by the thermal imaging device, which arise on the skin region after discontinuation of the cooling, and displaying means configured to present the identified vessel thermal footprints. The system and methods may analyze the spatio-temporal patterns of the natural heating of the skin surface to derive data on the location of the vessels under the skin. Three dimensional (3D) imaging optics and techniques may further enhance the vessel imaging.

Abstract: A visualization apparatus for the vein according to the present disclosure includes a near-infrared ray irradiating unit for irradiating near-infrared rays below the skin of a target area, an infrared camera unit for photographing the target area, an image processing unit for receiving and processing image information of a portion below the skin of the target area, photographed by the infrared camera unit, and providing the processed image information to a display device, and a display device located near the target area to display the image information provided from the image processing unit.